If the Power Goes Out
What Should You Do?

Duke Energy is committed to providing you reliable electric service. But situations such as storms, accidents, animals or construction-related incidents can cause power outages. If this happens, we will mobilize crews to get your service safely restored as quickly as reasonably possible.

If your power goes out, check to see if your neighbors have power. If your home is the only one without power, check your circuit breakers or fuses to determine if the outage is a result of a household problem. Do not assume we automatically know about your outage. Please contact us immediately.

Toll Free: 1-800-343-3525

If you see downed power lines, assume they are dangerous and stay away!

Protect Your AppliancesTurn off lights and as many appliances and electronics as possible – including heating or air conditioning systems. You will help prevent circuit overload situations when your power is restored. You will also reduce the potential for damage to sensitive equipment such as computers, microwave ovens, televisions and recording devices.

Prepare an Emergency/Outage Kit To help you prepare in case you face a power outage, we suggest you assemble an emergency kit. Consider including the items below.

A flashlight with extra batteries (placed where you can find it in the dark)

A battery-powered radio and fresh batteries

Canned foods that require no cooking

A manual can opener

First aid supplies

Extra fuses

A battery-powered or wind-up clock

Keep Food Safe Help protect your food during a power outage by keeping your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. Your refrigerator should keep food safely cold for about four hours if it is unopened. A full freezer should hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours if the door stays closed (about 24 hours if it is half full). Make sure you have items on hand that do not require refrigeration and can be eaten cold or heated on an outdoor grill.

Severe Weather and OutagesSevere weather can strike quickly, creating a variety of dangerous situations.
Review our storm tips to find out what you should do before, during and after severe weather strikes.